BFAR, Coast Guard boost joint crackdown on illegal fishing in WV

This “super hulbot” illegal fishing boat was apprehended by the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force of Iloilo in Asluman, Carles. Danish seine fishing is illegal. It causes significant damage to seagrass beds and corals. PHOTO FROM DR. RAUL BANIAS
This “super hulbot” illegal fishing boat was apprehended by the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force of Iloilo in Asluman, Carles. Danish seine fishing is illegal. It causes significant damage to seagrass beds and corals. PHOTO FROM DR. RAUL BANIAS

ILOILO — A more aggressive campaign against illegal fishing in Western Visayas is underway as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strengthen their partnership through enhanced joint surveillance and enforcement operations.

The renewed collaboration was formalized aboard the DA-BFAR MCS 3009 patrol vessel on July 4, with key officials — BFAR regional director Remia Aparri, Coast Guard District Western Visayas commander Commodore Christopher Auro, and MCS 3009 Commander Captain Jomark Angue — in attendance.

“This shows deterrence at work,” said Aparri, citing successful joint enforcement in Northern Iloilo, where visible law enforcement has boosted fishers’ confidence and security. “It proves that when agencies cooperate, we can make a real difference for our fishing communities.”

The strengthened partnership will see PCG personnel actively supporting BFAR’s land-based enforcement efforts, including portside boarding and inspection, market and landing site monitoring, and information drives in coastal areas.

Angue said these localized enforcement models could help shape future national fisheries policies. Commodore Auro assured BFAR of the Coast Guard’s continued support.

“Asahan ninyo ang full support ng Coast Guard. Aksyon tayo kaagad,” he said, calling for more joint operations.

One of the priority measures under the partnership includes deploying monitoring teams in vulnerable coastal areas, including Roxas City, to guard against illegal commercial fishing in municipal waters.

To ensure operational alignment, a coordination meeting between BFAR and the Coast Guard District Western Visayas is scheduled soon.

The PCG has also committed to the Joint Mobile Registration and Licensing (JMRL) operations, which aim to streamline registration and licensing of fishing vessels.

To further boost enforcement, the Coast Guard has requested specialized training for its personnel on inspecting fish and fishing boats, focusing on verifying Certificates of Fishing Vessel and Gear License and Certificates of Compliance.

On July 5, BFAR-FMRED chief Dr. Erwin Ilaya witnessed the formal turnover of command of the MCS 3009 from Captain Angue to incoming Commander Captain Kristian D.R. Hidalgo, signaling continuity in maritime enforcement operations.

The Coast Guard also remains a vital member of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RIATF-IUUF), which coordinates multi-agency action to protect marine resources and promote sustainable fishing across Western Visayas./PN

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